Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP remains a dominant force in Latin America capital markets transactions. Despite a slowdown in deal flow across the market, the firm has landed a series of major equity and debt offerings. With outstanding practitioners in both New York and Sao Paulo, the Latin America team continues to be noted for SEC-registered IPOs and US listings, along with sovereign and SEC-registered investment grade offerings, and high-yield debt transactions. It has a significant market share of equity and debt offerings in both Brazil and Mexico, along with other key markets such as Chile and Argentina. It represents both issuers and underwriters. Todd Crider heads the Latin America group, splitting his time between New York and Sao Paulo, and frequently works on landmark and headline transactions. Grenfel Calheiros heads the Sao Paulo office and is a leader in Brazil offerings. Juan Francisco Méndez is another seasoned member of the Latin America team with a superb record in capital markets offerings. Juan Naveira provides further senior level expertise along with senior counsel Kirsten Davis. Sao Paulo-based Paulo Fernando de Menezes continues to make an impression. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Market leading team, very active in handling transactions involving Latin American issuers. All lawyers are fluent in Spanish, which helps their clients. They have a very good reputation with banks and other firms, which is important for trusting them when resolving issues that often arise in complex transactions.’
‘I've worked regularly with Juan Méndez and Todd Crider. They are both extraordinary lawyers, with vast knowledge of the Latin American legal market. I also found Kirsten Davis to be a brilliant attorney.’
‘The plus is their extensive knowledge of the financial markets in Latin America.’
‘The team is super senior, is always available and brings unique and experienced resources from other offices as appropriate. The other key highlight is the kindness and professionalism of the senior partners, which reflects very positively in terms of interactions with clients and bankers. The firm has a great culture based on humility and integrity.’
‘Excellent professionals, who have great technical and industry knowledge. What I truly appreciate is the fact that they bring resources from any office globally to help. The seniority and experience of the partners is a major plus, as is their availability.’
‘Technical and proactive lawyers.’
Key clients
- Ambipar Participações e Empreendimentos
- América Móvil (Designated Underwriters’ counsel)
- Bank of America
- Banco Safra
- Barclays
- BBB Foods
- BBVA Mexico
- Braskem
- BTG Pactual
- Citigroup Global Markets
- Comisión Federal de Electricidad (Designated Underwriters’ counsel)
- Deutsche Bank Securities
Work highlights
Represented the guarantors in the issue and sale of US$400m aggregate principal amount of Ambipar Lux’s 10.875% green notes (due 2033).
Represented major Mexican retailer Liverpool in a $1bn Rule 144A/Reg.S offering of senior notes consisting of $500m aggregate principal amount of 6.255% senior notes (due 2032), and $500m aggregate principal amount of 6.658% senior notes (due 2037).
Represented the dealers in the offering by Banco BTG Pactual (acting through its Cayman Islands branch), of $500m 5.750% senior notes (due 2030), issued through BTG Pactual’s MTN Programme, under Rule 144A/Reg.S.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Juan Francisco Méndez
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Paulo Fernando de Menezes Cardoso
Juan Naveira
Practice head
Todd Crider; Grenfel Calheiros; Juan Francisco Méndez; Juan Naveira; Fernando de Menezes Cardoso